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“No Kings, No Clue: What Modern Protests Reveal About Civic Illiteracy”
As protests emerge across the country under slogans like “No Kings,” they reveal something deeper than political frustration. They expose a growing gap in civic understanding—specifically, a misunderstanding of what the United States actually is. America is not a monarchy. It never has been. And more importantly—it is not a pure democracy. It is a Constitutional Republic. That distinction matters more today than ever. What “No Kings” Gets Right—and Wrong At its core, the phra

Joni917
Mar 303 min read


From Oppression to Opportunity: Dr. Ming Wang’s Mission to Protect America’s Constitutional Future
At the heart of the The 917 Society mission is a simple but powerful goal: place pocket copies of the United States Constitution directly into the hands of America’s eighth-grade students. For Dr. Ming Wang, that mission is deeply personal. As president of the organization’s Founders Club and a longtime supporter of the effort, Dr. Wang brings a perspective shaped not only by his professional accomplishments, but by his life story as an immigrant who experienced life without

Rich Washburn
Mar 104 min read


One Night, One Cause, One Constitution
Last night was one of those evenings I will never forget. I am still overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the 917 Society’s Fifth Annual Fundraiser at Ray Stevens’ CabaRay Showroom in Nashville . To everyone who attended, purchased tables and tickets, donated, participated in the auction, spoke, sang, served, and supported our mission, thank you. Truly, thank you. What an amazing night, and what an incredible reminder that there are still so many Americans who deeply l

Rich Washburn
Mar 96 min read


The Founders' Vision of Limited Government — And How Far We've Strayed
When our Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft the Constitution, they brought with them the hard-earned lessons of tyranny, overreach, and the dangers of unchecked power. Fresh from the fires of the American Revolution, they understood with uncommon clarity that liberty could not survive unless government was restrained. That understanding formed the cornerstone of our Constitution — a carefully balanced framework designed to secure individual rights by limiti

Ethan Justice
Nov 11, 20253 min read


Restoring Freedom—One Pocket Constitution at a Time
At the Moms for Liberty National Summit , amidst a sea of dedicated patriots—mothers, grandmothers, fathers, and freedom-loving Americans—Joni Bryan, founder of the 917 Society, delivered a heartfelt message that resonated with both urgency and hope. It began with a confession. “I had never read the Constitution. Not really, not word for word.” That moment of raw honesty revealed a truth many Americans share but are afraid to admit. For too long, the Constitution—our national

Rich Washburn
Oct 21, 20253 min read


The Miracle of 9/11: A Call to Return to God, Country, and Courage
On a bright, clear September morning in 2001, America was forever changed. The attacks of 9/11 left our hearts broken and our skyline...

Joni917
Sep 11, 20253 min read


The Republic’s Crucible: A Constitutional Moment
History rarely reveals its full truths in the moment. Only with the clear eye of hindsight and the long view of time do we grasp the true...

Rich Washburn
Aug 4, 20255 min read


Honoring the Constitution: The 917 Society’s Grassroots Journey to Every 8th‐Grade Classroom
September 17, 2025 marks the culmination of a vision born in Middle Tennessee in 2016: a volunteer-driven mission to put the U.S. Constitution in the hands of every 8th grader in America. What began as a handful of patriots distributing pocket Constitutions in middle Tennessee near Nashville—through faith, forging relationships, and private generosity—into a nationwide classroom celebration reaching all 50 states. From Middle Tennessee to Coast-to-Coast In the fall of 2016, a

Ethan Justice
Jul 14, 20252 min read


September 17th- A Day to Honor Our U.S. Constitution!
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, observed each year on September 17, honor the momentous signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787—an act that forged “a more perfect Union” and laid the foundation for American liberty and self-government. The roots of this observance reach back to May 31, 1938, when Polish refugee Bronislava du Brissac organized “I Am an American Day” in New York, a celebration codified by federal joint resolution in

Ethan Justice
Jul 11, 20252 min read


“Sponsor Freedom. Shape the Future.” – Help Us Reach 2 Million Students This Constitution Day
As the fireworks of Independence Day approach and Americans proudly wave the stars and stripes, we’re reminded of the enduring principles that make this nation great. Chief among them is the U.S. Constitution—a beacon of liberty, the rule of law, and limited government. At The 917 Society, we believe that every young American deserves to know, carry, and cherish this founding document. And right now, we need your help. Why Constitution Day Matters September 17th marks Constit

Ethan Justice
Jun 12, 20253 min read


Today is the Anniversary of the First Inauguration: George Washington’s Prayer and the Need to Rededicate America to God
On April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City and took the very first presidential oath of...

Ethan Justice
Apr 30, 20253 min read


The Shot Heard Round the World: Honoring the Spark of American Liberty
On April 19, 1775, in the early morning mist of Lexington, Massachusetts, a small group of colonial militiamen stood their ground. Though...

Joni917
Apr 19, 20253 min read


Historic Homecoming: The Declaration of Independence Returns to the Oval Office
In a powerful tribute to America’s founding principles, President Donald Trump has prominently displayed the Declaration of Independence...

Rich Washburn
Mar 20, 20252 min read


Why Our Founders Wanted Limited Government—And Why It Matters Today
In an era of ever-expanding federal authority, it's crucial to remember why our Founding Fathers fought to create a system built on...

Ethan Justice
Feb 5, 20252 min read


Why Free Speech Was So Important to the Founders—and Why It Matters Today!
In the First Amendment, the Founders enshrined freedom of speech as one of the cornerstones of American liberty. Why? Because they...

Ethan Justice
Jan 28, 20252 min read


Why Our Founding Fathers Were Concerned About a Two-Party Political System
When the Founding Fathers crafted the U.S. Constitution, they were primarily concerned with building a government that upheld liberty,...

Ethan Justice
Jan 22, 20253 min read


Why Honoring Constitution Day is Vital for America's Future!
Federal mandate 108-447, signed into law in 2004, designates September 17th as Constitution Day, requiring schools, universities, and...

Joni917
Jan 7, 20252 min read


The Constitution Comes First: Why Our Elected Officials Must Prioritize Principle Over Party
In today’s political climate, it’s easy to get swept up in the push and pull of party loyalty. But when it comes to our elected...

Ethan Justice
Nov 12, 20244 min read


George Washington's Inauguration Address and the Miracle of St. Paul's Chapel
On April 30, 1789, George Washington, the newly elected first President of the United States, delivered his inaugural address on the...

Joni917
Oct 22, 20243 min read


What is Treason according to the U.S. Constitution?
The U.S. Constitution’s definition of treason is unique and precise, reflecting the Framers' concerns about its potential misuse. Found...

Ethan Justice
Oct 5, 20244 min read
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